Clasp or connecter for bracelets



May 3, 1938. s. A. .JOHNSON CLASP OR CONNECTER FOR BRACELETS Filed May 17, 1935 GFI Patented May 3, 193s UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLASP R CONNECTER FOR BRACELETS Sylvester A. Johnson, North Providence, R. I., as-

signor to A and Z Chain Company, Providence, R. I., incorporation of Rhode Island Application May 17, 1935, Serial No. 22,025

9 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved endclasp or fastening device for attaching the ends of straps, bands, bracelets or the like.

One object of the present invention is to provide a clasp or fastening device of simple construction which effects a more secure joinder of the separate parts of a band, strap or bracelet.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a clasp or fastening device adapted for use with bands or bracelets composed of cords or the like in which the ends of the cord or cords are gripped exteriorly of a box-like body-member and then drawn forwardly into said body-member.

Another object of the invention is-to provide a device of the type indicated which is neat and ornamental in appearance, capable of being economically manufactured and assembled and efficient and positive in performing its intended function.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction ofthe device, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a cord-type bracelet showing the present invention embodied in a pair of clasps applied to the ends of the cords and joined by an intermediate link;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view of one of the clasps shown in Fig. l illustrated with its parts in closed gripping relationship;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the improved clasp taken on line 3-.3 of Fig. 2 and showing it as gripping the end of a cord-bracelet;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the parts of the clasp in open inoperative relation- Ship;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the gripper-element in engagement with the end of a. cord-bracelet and the actuating member in releasing position;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional View of the clasp showing a relationship of the parts similar to that ulu'strated in Fig. 5 and indicating the manner in which the gripping teeth areI applied to the end of the bracelet;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing the `manner in which the clasp is closed to lock the gripper-element in engagement with the end of the bracelet;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on vline 8-8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 3; and 2 Fig. 10 is a composite perspective view of th parts forming ther clasp of the present invention.

In fasteners or clasps heretofore used for attaching the ends oi cord-type bracelets the ends of the cords are inserted into the end of a holder shaped to receive them and a gripper-element then rocked into engagement with the cords adjacent their ends. Because of the small dimensions of these clasps and the tendency of the ends of the cord to become frayed considerable difficulty has been experienced in positively grip-y ping the cords. `In certain of the previously used devices it is difficult to insert the cords to a position where the gripper will positively engage a closely twisted or substantial portion thereof adjacent their ends and in other of the devices the actuation of the gripper tendsto force the cords out of the holder or body-member.

The present invention provides a fastener or end-clasp particularly adapted for use with cordtype bracelets although capable of use with leather, fabric, metal-mesh or link bracelets. The

clasp of the present invention avoids the dif- `per-element causes the pivotal connection between the elements to be shifted from one side to the other of the pivotal axis of the actuating member to effect longitudinal movement of the gripper-element.

Fig. 1 of the drawing illustrates a cord-bracelet of usual construction comprising a pair of looped cords II and I2 having their ends gripped in fasteners or end-clasps I3 forming the subjectmatter of the present invention. The clasps I3 are connected together by a separable link I5 of usual construction which embraces bails I6 formed on the clasps. At the outer closed end of the loops of the cords I I and I2 are end-pieces or connecters il adapted to be attached to the balls of a Wrist-watch or similar parts of other articles of jewelry or the like. Metal loops I8 of usual construction are also provided for encircling the cords II and I2 to hold them in parallel relationship.

As more clearly shown in the detailed views of the drawing each clasp I3 comprises a box-like body-member or holder 20 having a top wall 2l of a contour corresponding with the contour of the end of the bracelet and side Walls 22 and 23; it being understood that Figs. 2 to 10, inclusive, illustrate the clasp in inverted position or bottom side up. The bottom edges of the side walls 22 and 23 are bent inwardly to provide flanges 24 tapered end the top wall 2| is apertured at 25 to form the bail I6, previously referred` to. The side walls 22 and 23 are provided with bearing apertures 26 positioned above the flanges 24 adjacent the tapered end of the body-member.

A gripper-element 21, shown in detail in Fig. 10, is adapted for longitudinal sliding movement in the-body-member 20 in engagement with the` flanges 24. The gripper-element 21 is in the form of a relatively narrow plate 28 having pintles 29 projecting laterally at one end and preferably formed integrally with the plate. At its opposite end the gripper-element 21 is widened to form a crossbar having depending sharppointed teeth 30 for engaging the cord or other type of bracelet and a tapered or wedge-shaped spacing tooth 3| for engagement between the cords to force them apart. The crossbar at the toothed or gripping end of the element 21 forms shoulders 32 projecting outwardly from the sides of the plate 28 in opposite directions for engagement with the flanges 24 on the body-member 20. Adjacent the end of the gripper-element 21 from which the pintles 29 project the plate 28 is deformed to provide a. transverse recess or groove 33 for a purpose later to be described.

The gripper-element 21 is adapted to be drawn longitudinally into the body-member 20 by an actuating member 34 shown in detail in Fig. 10. The actuating member 34 is in the form of a lever having side anges 35 extending from one end to a point adjacent its opposite end and at this latter end the lever is slightly curved to form a nger-piece 36. Adjacent the end of the actuating lever 34 opposite from the finger-piece 36 the side flanges 35 are provided with bearing ,apertures 31 for receiving the pintles 29 on the gripper-element 21 to provide a pivotal connection between the two elements. The opposite side flanges 35 are so spaced as to straddle the plate 28 of the gripper-element 21 so that the two elements may be folded one over the other. The outward faces of the ilanges 35 are also adapted to llt closely between the inwardly-directed flanges 24 of the body-member 20 and are provided with bearing apertures 38 intermediate their ends adapted to be alined with the bearing apertures 26 in the side walls 22 and 23 of the body-member 20.

'I'he actuating lever 34 is pivotally mounted on the body-member 20 by a pin 39 extending through the alined bearing apertures 26 in the side walls of the body-member 20 and the apertures 38 in the flanges 35 of the actuating member 34, the ends ofl the pin 39 being riveted or headed over to retain the pin in position. The actuating lever 34 when thus mounted is adapted for rotation from an open position, shown in Fig. 4, to a closed position as shown in Fig. 3, detents in the form of struck-up protuberances 4D being provided on the outer faces of the side iianges 35 of the lever for engagement with the inwardly-directed ilanges 24 on the body-member 2U to latch the lever in its closed position. During this rotation of the actuating member 34 the pivotal connection between the pintles 29 and bearing apertures 31 of the articulated actuating and gripping elements is moved from one side to the other of the pivotal axis about which the actuator rotates. This movement of the pivotal connection between the elements causes the gripper-element 21 to be bodily moved longitudinally to a position where the ends of the teeth 30 underlie the topportion 2| of the body-member 20 to secure the bracelet end to the fastener. see Fig. 9.

To attach the ends of the cord to the endclasp I3 the latter is placed in inverted position and the actuating member 34 then rotated about its pivotal axis to the position shown in Fig. 4 to thereby displace its bearing apertures 31 engaging the pintles 29 to a forward position. 'I'he forward toothed end of the gripper-element 21 will thus be positioned outwardly beyond the end of the body-member 29 so that its laterallyprojecting shoulders 32 will clear the outer ends of the inwardly-directed flanges 24. The gripper-element 21 is next rotated on its pintles 29 to a rearward position overlying the actuating element 34 with the transverse recess or groove 3 3 providing a clearance for the pin 39 as shown in Fig. 4. 'Ihe ends of the bracelet cord may then be laid in the body-member 20 between the sidewalls 22 and 23. When the ends of the cord are properly positioned in the body-member 20 the gripper-el^ment 21 is turned back to the position shown in Fig. 6 and the ringer pressed thereagainst to force the teeth 30 through the individual cords with the spacing tooth 3| entered between the cords and 2 to spread them apart. The lever-extensionor linger-piece 36 is then grasped to rotate the actuating member 34 about the pivot-pin 39 as shown in Fig. '1 until the detents 40 on its side flanges 35 engage under the inwardly-directed flanges 24 on the body-member 20 Ito latch the clasp in a closed position. During this rotation of the actuating member 34 the pivotal connection formed by the pintles 29 engaging the bearing apertures `31 at the end of the gripper-element 21 is displaced pin 39 about which the actuating lever rotates. This relative longitudinal movement of the pivotal connection between the articulated members causes the toothed end of the gripper-element 21 positioned exterlorly of the body-member 20 to be drawn thereinto. As the gripperelement 21 is pressed firmly against the cords and |2 its shoulders 32 are carried into engagement with the inturned flanges 24 on the bodymember 20 to lock it in position with the ends of the teeth 30 and 3| extending through and between the cords held in close cooperative relationship with the top wall 2| of the body-member to positively grip and secure the end of the cords to the clasp. When the parts of the clasp are in their closed gripping relationship the actuating member 34 overlies the gripper-element 21 to provide a'smooth under surface with the side flanges 35 positioned between the flanges 24 and straddling the plate-portion 28 of the gripperelement.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that the invention provides a novel construction and arrangement of elements in a fastener or end-clasp for positively holding the ends of a bracelet. It will be further apparent that the present fastener acts to grip the ends of the cord exteriorly of the holding or body-member so that the longitudinal movement of the gripperelement will draw them into the holder to insure a positive grip and secure anchorage therefor. Due to this novel and improved method of operation of the device it is not required to push the ends of the cord clear into the clasp before closing its parts to grip the ends and, consequently, the ends are less apt to become frayed. Moreover, since the ends of the cord are drawn into the clasp by the gripper-means instead of being pushed outwardly as in previously used devices of the present type, a much more secure and permanent joinder of the ends with the clasp is effected.

It will also be apparent that the fastener or clasp of the present invention is of a simple construction adapted to be easily and economically manufactured and assembled and providing a pleasing and ornamental appearance.

Although only one preferred form of the invention is herein illustrated and described it will be apparent that the parts may have a variety of mechanical expressions without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the side walls of the body-member need not extend throughout the length thereof but instead side portions or lugs only are necessary to pivotally mount the actuating member and provide a guideway for engaging the shoulders 32 on the gripperelement 21. Other changes will appear to one skilled in the art and so without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

l. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a channel-shaped body-member having a top, sides and an open end, a manually-operable lever pivotally mounted on the body-member, and a gripper-element pivotally connected to the manually-operable lever eccentrically of the pivot of said lever to adapt it to be drawn into the body-member when the manually-operable leve!` is rocked toward the body-member.

2. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a channel-shaped body-member having a top, sides and an open end, holding-means l on the body-member, a manually-operable .lever pivotally mounted on the body-member, and a gripper-element pivotally connected to the manually-operable lever eccentrically of the pivot of said lever to adapt it to be drawn into the bodymember to engage the holding means thereon as the lever is rocked toward the body-member.

3. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a channel-shaped body-member having a top, depending sides and an open end, a manually-operable member pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the body-member, and a gripper-element having one end pivotally connected to one end of the manually-operable member and teeth at its opposite end, said manuallyoperable member having a nger-engageable portion at its outer end for rocking it toward the body-member to draw the gripper-element longitudinally into the body-member to position its teeth in cooperative gripping relationship with respect to the top of the body-member.

4. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a channel-shaped body-member having a top, depending sides and an open end, flanges on the body-member projecting inwardly from its sides, a manually-operable lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the body-member, said lever having a short arm at one side of its pivot and a long arm at the opposite side of the pivot, and a gripper-element having one end pivotally connected to the short arm of the lever and adapted to be drawn into the bodymember and slid under the flanges thereon as the long arm of the lever is rocked toward the bodymember.

5. A strap connecter comprising a body member having a top wall and side walls, a finger operable member pivotally mounted on the side walls of said body member, a gripper member eccentrically pivoted on said finger operable member and having a strap gripping portion on the iree end thereof, and means on the body member for cooperating with the gripper member to cause the gripping portion thereof to draw a strap into the body member when the operating member is turned on its pivot in one direction and for clamping the strap between said gripping portion and the inner face of the mentioned top wall of the body member when the operating member has reached the limit of its movement in said direction.

6. A strap connecter or the like, comprising a channel body having an inbent lug on the edge of each side wall thereof, a finger operable member pivotally mounted between said side walls, a gripper member eccentrically mounted on said finger operable member, means on the gripper member for engaging a strap end, and cam means on said gripper member associated with the mentioned lugs for urging said strap engaging means against said strap end and thereby to draw said strap into the body and at the same time to urge said strap end against the web portion of the channel body.

7. A strap connecter or the like, comprising a channel body having an inbent lug on the edge of each side wall thereof, a finger operable member pivotally mounted between said side walls, a gripper member eccentrically mounted on said finger operable member, means on the gripper member for engaging a strap end, and cam means on said gripper member associated with the mentioned lugs for urging said strap engaging means againstvsaid strap end and thereby drawing the strap into the body and urging said strap end against the web portion of the channel body, and means on the finger operated member adapted to engage said inbent lugs for frictionally retaining said finger operable member in position.

8. A strap connecter or the like, comprising a body shell, a finger operable member mounted in said shell and adapted for partial rotation therein, a gripper member having strap engaging teeth, said member being pivotally mounted on said finger operable member and adapted to be moved longitudinally in relation to the body shell to drag into said shel1,a strap engaged by the engaging means, and means on both the shell and on the gripper member for urging the strap engaging means against the strap.

9. In fastening clasp construction, in combination, a housing member having a bottom, side walls and 'flanges extending toward one another from said side Walls, said member adapted to receive the end of a bracelet, a cover plate pivoted to said housing member, a gripping member pivoted to said cover plate, the pivotal axes of said gripping member and said cover plate being spaced, said gripping member including a portion adapted to engage said bracelet end, whereby pivotal movement of Said cover plate into its closed position swings the gripping portion of said gripping member beyond the adjacent end of said housing member and thence draws said gripping portion into said housing member beneath said anges and in engagement therewith to force said gripping portion into gripping association with said bracelet end.

SYLVES'I'ER. A. JOHNSON. 

